Love Works One Step at a Time

Hopefully by now you are ready to let God help you love everyone—even people who are hard to love. As we finish this study, though, there’s something I’d like you to think about: In the process of our quest to learn more about love, we want to make sure that we are not the one who is hard to love.

I admit that I was very hard to love for many years. Because of my abusive past, I wanted to control everything and everyone, so I was only happy when I got my way. But I am so grateful to God that He has changed me and now I can be happy even when I don’t get my way.

The truth is, the healing of a wounded soul begins with facing truth…so if you are hard to love, it’s time to own it and ask God to heal you. Healing won’t come immediately, because God changes us little by little, but we can celebrate any kind of progress and expect more to come.

Now, don’t make the mistake of thinking that you cannot begin loving others more because you are hard to love. I think the more you love others, the more you will receive a harvest of healing in your own life. And if there is anything you realize you need to change in your life, ask God to help you. In addition, study His Word on that topic so your mind will be renewed in that area.

As I’ve discussed, the world is filled with evil such as hatred, strife, selfishness and bitterness. However, God says that we overcome evil with good (see Romans 12:21). Love is the ultimate power, and it has the ability to do more than we ever imagined.

As we conclude this study, I encourage you to be good to everyone and stay focused on love. Love God, love yourself by receiving God’s love, and love other people. Let love flow out of you like a river! In addition, appreciate people who help you and tell them that you appreciate them. Compliment people, encourage them, smile, be friendly, and be very generous. Be helpful, kind, forgiving, and difficult to offend.

In order for us to do these things, we need a lot of help from the Lord, so don’t forget to lean on Him and ask for His grace frequently. There will be times when we will fail, but we can ask for forgiveness and start fresh again. Love never fails and it never gives up!

I’m so glad you were part of this study, and I hope you recommend it to other people. Because love is what people in the world are looking for even if they don’t know it. A revival of God’s love being poured out through His people will heal our broken world and empower us to leave a powerful, positive legacy to the next generation.

Adapted from the book Loving People Who Are Hard to Love by Joyce Meyer. Copyright 2022 by Joyce Meyer. Published by Hachette Book Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

Prayer Starter:

“Lord, as I finish this study, please help me remember the lessons I’ve learned. When I come across people in my life who are hard to love, let me be a light that directs them to You and Your amazing love for us. And when I’m the one who’s hard to love, help me recognize where I can improve and grow so that I can be at peace with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Dive Deeper:

If you enjoyed this study on How to Love Difficult People, we have good news—there’s even more! Check out this 10-day study by Joyce, and learn even more useful tips and truths to loving those hard-to-love people in your life! just visit joycemeyer.org/